If the Christmas cactus sheds its buds, this is usually a sign that the houseplant is not feeling well. Fortunately, the shedding of the flowers can usually be remedied in a few simple steps. Read here what they are!
Wrong watering
Most cacti prefer it largely dry. Not so the Christmas cactus, because it likes to be a little more humid than its relatives - especially during the flowering period. If it does not receive enough water, it may drop its buds. But be careful: too much water is not good for the houseplant, especially since waterlogging promotes root rot. When it comes to irrigation, a certain amount of tact is required:
- Water about once a week
- The earth's surface should dry off between watering processes
- Avoid waterlogging!
Tip: It is best to test the substrate with a finger test
Checked drought. When the soil feels dry, it's time to water the houseplant.Wrong fertilization
Christmas cacti are best fertilized during the growth phase from April to September. Because during this period they can utilize the additional nutrients directly. If, on the other hand, they are fertilized for longer, it can happen that they drop their flowers. This is also the case, for example, if too many flower approaches have already formed. In addition, fertilization from late summer onwards has more of an effect on leaf growth than on bud formation.
Lack of humidity
In the wild, the Christmas cactus grows in the tropical forests of Brazil and accordingly prefers one
moist air. This is not always the case in living rooms at home, because the indoor air is usually too dry, especially in winter. The lack of humidity ensures that the succulent plant loses its buds and the formation of the flowers suffers. However, the humidity can be optimized in a few simple steps:- Place a saucer with pebbles and water under the plant
- Evaporation increases the humidity
- Spray the plant with water 1-2 times a week
Info: Dry indoor air is favored by air conditioning, heating and drafty areas, among other things.
Unfavorable temperatures
Christmas cacti prefer temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius during the growth phase. If it is too warm, there is a risk of overheating and dehydration. If, on the other hand, it is too cold, the plant sheds parts of the plant that are not essential for survival in order to protect it. During the flowering period, the succulents generally like to be a little cooler. On the other hand, if it is still too warm, this impairs flower formation and it can happen that the plants drop their flowers. For this reason, it is worth mimicking the seasonal temperature of their original home as follows:
- Lower temperatures during flowering
- 15 degrees Celsius is optimal
- Below 10 degrees Celsius is too cold
Too much light during flowering
Christmas cacti are short day plants and require more darkness than light during bud formation. Therefore, the location should be dark for a long time during the flowering period so that the light conditions of the tropical rainforests are simulated. To keep the bud or To promote and avoid flower formation, attention should be paid to the following from September:
- At least 14 hours of darkness a day
- For at least 6 weeks
- Ideally from September to November
- The rest of the year in a bright spot
Although the houseplant prefers darkness during flowering, it should still receive enough light during the day. Because the sun's rays are needed for bud formation. If there is not enough light, the plant sheds flower buds. For this reason, the location should be bright for at least 10 hours during the day, although the blazing sun should be avoided.
Fixed location
The Christmas cactus quickly gets used to its location and the associated conditions. He doesn't like changes, which is why it is best not to change location. The plant generally doesn't like being turned or turned. to be moved.